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Leaving the Snake behind: stepping into the Year of the Horse

17 Feb 2026

By Cass Lawrence, Head of Communications

As the Chinese New Year arrives, so does that familiar feeling of turning a page. This year, I couldn’t wait to be rid of the Snake. For me, it felt like a year of shedding, uncertainty, and quiet discomfort. Necessary, maybe, but not one I was keen to linger in.

Graphic of a horse with text saying "Happy Chinese New Year"

Enter the Year of the Horse.

The Horse is all about momentum, freedom, energy, and forward movement. And that’s exactly what I want to harness this year, using that restless, optimistic horse energy as a springboard for change. One promise I’ve made to myself is to improve my numeracy.

That might sound small. It isn’t.

Recently, while going over a budget at work, something unexpected happened. The feeling I used to have at school, sitting in maths class, convinced I was the “stupid one”, came rushing back. Same tight chest. Same inner voice. Same instinct to rebel, rush, hide, and give up.

But this time, I noticed it.

"I reminded myself of something important: I am not that child anymore."

And this time, I reminded myself of something important: I am not that child anymore. I’m allowed to take my time. I’m allowed to ask questions. I’m allowed to learn in the way that feels most comfortable for me, not the way that once made me feel small.

Numeracy isn’t about speed or being the loudest person in the room with the right answer. It’s about confidence, understanding, and permission to go at your own pace. That reminder changed everything. The numbers didn’t suddenly become easy, but they became less frightening. And that’s progress.

So, this Year of the Horse, I’m choosing movement over fear. Curiosity over shame. Steady steps over standing still.

Here’s to galloping forward, even if it’s one careful step at a time.

Want to build your own number confidence?

However you feel about maths, you’re not alone. The National Numeracy Challenge is a free and easy-to-use website you can use to improve your confidence with numbers, in your own time and at your own pace.

It’s ideal for brushing up, checking your level, or for catching up on learning you missed, and it’s all about the maths you need in daily life and at work – no algebra or trigonometry.

Image showing the Challenge on a computer monitor